ACCIDENTAL  DEATHS

TWO KILLED THREE HURT

Two men were killed and three injured when a van smashed into a parked semi-trailer on the Duke's highway, just north of Commandook, at 4.30 am yesterday. They were in a works van, owned by the SA Railways, which was traveling to Serviceton, Victoria.

The dead men were Arthur Mordaunt, 51, and Geoffrey Claude Dayman, 42, both of Tailem Bend.

Lyal Martin Edwards, 24, of Tailem Bend was admitted to the Lower Murray District Hospital with a punctured lung, head injuries and a dislocated collarbone. George Thomas Halsey, 44, electrician and Roland Leslie Dawson, 38, foreman, both of Tailem Bend, suffered concussion and extensive cuts and were admitted to the hospital.

The semi-trailer had been parked on the side of the road after a tail shaft had broken. The driver of the semi-trailer and a passenger, who were asleep in the cab were unhurt. A passenger bus arrived soon after the accident and the driver and passengers aided the uninjured, two of whom were trapped in the wrecked van. St John ambulances from Tailem Bend took the injured to hospital.

ECHUNGA FATALITY

Norman Bruce Dayman, 23, dairy farmer, of Meadows, was killed instantly when the closed car he was driving struck a post and turned over several times on the Echunga Road, about a mile from Meadows on saturday night. His skull was fractured. His sister, Jean Dayman, also of Meadows was treated for multiple abrasions and a lacerated knee and was admitted to the Mount Barker hospital. Two other passengers - Edward Ollson and Elizabeth Chalk, both of Meadows - were thrown out of the car, but escaped injury. The party had been at a 21st birthday diner, and was on its way to a dance at Meadows about 9pm when the accident occurred. The car was extensively damaged. A report is being prepared for the Meadows coroner (Mr GL Hampton), by Mounted Constable GR Schwerdt, of Echunga.

DEATH NOTICE
DAYMAN - On January 14, at Meadows, result of an accident, Norman Bruce, dearly loved second son of Mr & Mrs SR Dayman, Meadows, and loving brother of Keith, Allen, Jean and Colin. Aged 23 years. 

THE LATE NORMAN HARRIS

Norman Ernest Harris, the six year old son of Mr and Mrs Vivian Harris of Jeffcott, passed away in tragic circumstances on Thursday afternoon. He was missed towards the close of the afternoon, and as attempts to find him were unsuccessful, the alarm was given in the town by means of the fire bell. Parties immediately went out from Donald to Mr Harris's farm some miles from Donald, and a speedy search was made, as night was falling and it was decided that he might have wandered into the Jil Jil swamp.

A car driven by George Falla was stopped on the south side of the Jil Jil, and Mr Falla walking round the west side, came to the water channel, where he noticed tracks. He then found the boy in the channel about half a mile from the house.

Deep sympathy is extended for the sorrowing parents in their bereavement. There are three other children (Don, Elaine and Eva) in the family.

The funeral took place on Friday. The cortege being a lengthy one. Rev Bligh officiated at the graveside. The burial took place in the Donald Cemetery.

The Donald Times - Tuesday, 26th June 1934

BEREAVEMENT

Mr and Mrs V Harris sincerley THANK all kind friends for their expressions of sympathy in their recent bereavement; also all who responded to the call for assistance in connection with the search for thier son.

BELIEVED DROWNED -  MAN OVERBOARD FROM PADDLE BOAT

A 20 year old Nichol's Point man is believed to have drowned after falling overboard from the showboat Avoca between Buronga and Gol Gol last night. He is Murray Hensgen of Irymple Avenue who was with two companions on the boat's regular Sunday night pleasure cruise. Tuesday, 30th November 1954 Police Search Mildura, Buronga and Wentworth police yesterday failed in an all-day search in the Murray River for the body of 20 year old Murray Hensgen.

SEARCH GOES ON
Wednesday, 1st December 1954

 An intensive search yesterday of both banks of the river and continual dragging failed to reveal any trace of a man who fell overboard from the Showboat Avoca near Gol Gol on Sunday night. The missing man is 20 year old Murray Hensgen

BODY FOUND
Friday, 3rd December 1954

The body of a 20 year old Nichol's point laborer, who fell overboard from the showboat Avoca on Sunday night was recovered from the Murray River yesterday. The dead man, Murray Hensgen of Irymple Avenue, Nichol's Point, was found floating in the river yesterday morning by his Uncle, Mr George Grieve and Mr Fred Jones, both of Red Cliffs. Both Grieves and Jones had been searching continuously since Hensgen was reported missing on Sunday night. 

BODY IN RIVER HOOKED ON WEIR

The body of missing First Mildura Irrigation Trust pump man, Paddy Hensgen, was found at King's Billabong yesterday.  FMIT Commissioner, Mr Peter Wharton, found the body hooked on the billabong's concrete weir at about 6.15 yesterday morning. Mr Wharton had been involved with the search for the body since Friday at 11pm. "We wanted someone to find the body before family members did, because they have been searching the river since saturday," he said. Mr Wharton said he was unable to sleep yesterday morning and took a trip down to the billabong. We'd set up wire over the concrete bridge there so if he was in the Billabong, he wouldn't go past it, I went down to check that and found him floating above the weir. Police and rescue workers believe Hensgen had fallen into the river after locking a station gate, but failing to turn a light off. Mr Wharton said he phoned FMIT engineer, Mr Mick Murphy after he sighted the body and they returned to the Billabong. "I went back to get a boat and we dragged him out," Mr Wharton said. Mr Wharton said the police and the State Emergency Service had done a 'marvelous job' searching over the weekend.

DEATH NOTICE
HENSGEN, Roy Alan (Paddy) - On the 12th Oct, loved son of the late Archibald and Florence Hensgen and loving brother of Eva (dec), Percival (dec), Ernest (dec), Nellie, Hector (dec), Amy, Myrtle (dec), Sam, Leslie and Eric. HENSGEN, Roy Allen (Paddy) - Accidentally drowned on the 12th Oct. Loving and beloved husband of Ellen and loved father of Alan (Joe), father-in-law of Helen and grandfather of Luanne and Tricia. Step father of Robert. Forever in our thoughts.

PLEA FOR RESEARCH Bordertown, December 22 - Cannawigara farmer Mr H H Leach has asked people attending the funeral of his brother, not to send flowers but to contribute to a fund to investigate affects on humans of agricultural sprays. His brother Raymond John Leach, 46, a Bordertown farmer died in the Royal Adelaide Hospital yesterday after an apparent fatal absorption of spray. He was using the spray on his farm to get rid of a swarm of bees. He collapsed on December 15 and was taken by ambulance to Adelaide the following day. Mr Leach said he understood that a number of other people in the district had been similarly affected by agricultural sprays in recent years.

DEATH NOTICE
LEACH, Raymond John - Of Bordertown. On 22nd December, at Adelaide, dearly loved husband of Kathleen, beloved and loving father of Jennifer, Meryl, Peter, Andrew and Joanne.  Aged 46 years. 

MAN DIES AFTER SHOT FIRED AT BIRD

A 21 year old Robinvale man died on Saturday after being accidentally shot in the head on the Sturt Highway, four miles north of Euston.  Despite an emergency operation, Ronald Charles Loy, of Block 47C, Robinvale, died about two hours after the shooting. Loy was on a shooting trip in a utility with four other youths from Robinvale and Euston.  Police said the utility had stopped when the accident occurred and Loy was taking a shot at an eagle with a .22 rifle.  Loy had knelt on the road by the utility to shoot at the eagle which was perched on a telephone post. When his shot missed, John Arthur Woodhead (18), of Euston, took aim from the back of the utility.  Just as Woodhead fired, Loy stood up and a .22 calibre bullet pierced the back of his head and passed out his mouth. Driver of the utility, Harley Spittle (20), of Euston, rushed him about 10 miles to the Robinvale District Hospital, where an emergency operation was performed.  The accident occurred at 3.45 pm and Loy died at 5.30 pm. His funeral will leave the Robinvale Church of England today after a service commencing at 3 pm.

DEATH NOTICE
LOY - On August 31st at Robinvale, accidentally, Ronald Charles, loved son of Mr and Mrs John Loy, Robinvale and loved brother of Des, Lindsay and Les. Aged 21 years. 

MOTOR CYCLIST DIES IN CRASH

A 27 year old plasterer was killed instantly about 6.40 on Saturday night when his motor cycle collided with a cycle in Gillies St, Wedouree, about 75 yards south of the junction of Tulip Crescent. He was Richard George Palmer, of 12 Primrose Street, Wendouree West. When police arrived on the scene of the accident, only minutes after it had happened, they found that Palmer had died from head injuries.

DEATH NOTICE
PALMER - On September 3 (result of accident), Richard George Palmer, of 12 Primrose St, Wendouree West, dearly loved son of Margaret and the late Richard James Palmer, loved brother of Shirley (Mrs GW Horwood), Frank, Des, Alice and Valerie. Aged 27 years.

2 GIRLS DIE AS VAN CAPSIZES  - CHILDREN CRUSHED ON FOOTPATH

Two young sisters were crushed to death and another girl injured when a heavy van skidded out of control and overturned on top of them on the foot path in Gold Street, Clifton Hill, at 3.30 pm yesterday. The dead sisters were Kathleen Joy Rowe, 6, and Margaret Elizabeth Rowe, 7, of Keele Street, Ringwood. 

WISELEIGH AIRMAN KILLED - L.A.C. GORDON WILLIAM STORER

Mr and Mrs WJ Storer, of Wiseleigh, have been advised that their son, L.A.C. Gordon William Storer, 25 years old, was accidentally killed at an air training school in New South Wales. He was the third son of Mr and Mrs Storer, and was a very popular young man. He was married in August last, and was subsequently home on leave with his wife. He was buried with military honors in a Sydney cemetery on Wednesday.

Bruthen and Tambo Times - Thursday, 23rd November 1944

AIRMAN KILLED - L.A.C. GORDON WILLIAM STORER

It is with regret that we have to report that Mr & Mrs WJ Storer, well-known residents of Wiseleigh, were this week notified of the accidental death of their son, Gordon William Storer, in Sydney.

Deceased had enlisted in the R.A.A.F some time ago, and was doing a special course at an Air Training School in Sydney when he was hit by a machine and killed.

Gordon, who was the third son of his parents, had practically lived all his life at Wiseleigh, was 25 years of age. He was a bright young man and very popular. He was married last August and was home with his wife on leave a few months ago.

He was buried with military honours in Sydney Cemetery on Wednesday.

YOUNG GIRL DROWNED

Attempts at mouth to mouth resuscitation at the scene of the tragedy, and a high speed dash by ambulance to Bairnsdale District Hospital yesterday, failed to save the life of Irene Joyce Storer, 9 years, of Granite Roack, who was drowned in a dam.

The girl, daughter of Mr and Mrs J H Storer, of Granite Rock, was picking blackberries with two younger brothers, when she decided to cross the dam. She got into difficulties and disappeared.

Peter McKenzie, 12 years, found the girl in the water and took her from the dam. He was attempting to revive her by mouth to mouth resusitation when Bairnsdale ambulance arrived. The girl was given oxygen as the ambulance rushed to Bairnsdale, escorted by police, but she was dead on arrival at Bairnsdale District Hospital.

Leslie Albert STORER
Died 19th November 1976 at St Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy at 6pm.

Inquest found: Died from effects of injuries received on the 12th day of November 1976 at Sale when a motor car in which he was a passenger and which had been driven in a southerly direction in Guthridge Parade by  …….. collided with a motor car being driven in a westerly direction in Raglan Street by ……… causing deceased to be thrown from the vehicle which eventually ran over him, and I further say such death was caused by misadventure.

A fatal accident happened on Tuesday last to a little boy, 12 years of age, named Robert Storer, son of Mr Jacob  Storer, farmer of Stuart Mill. It appears that Mr Storer was engaged in harvesting operations - using a roller as a means of threshing - when his unfortunate son, who was standing near, observed his little brother get in the way of  the machine, and in endeavoring to save him got himself in front of the roller, which knocked him down  and crushed him so terribly that death was instantaneous. The younger child was also badly hurt, and we were informed yesterday that its condition was very critical. The deceased  was the eldest of seven children and the infant the youngest. Very great sympathy is expressed for Mr and Mrs Storer in their great affliction.

On Sunday afternoon a little boy belonging to Mrs Storer was burnt to death. An inquest was held on the body on Tuesday. It appeared from the evidence that, for fear of the neighbours impounding the milking cows, the children looked after them, and shepherded them during the day. The weather being cold, they had a fire about 300 yards from the house, and some time during the afternoon the cattle were left with two small children, a girl about six and a boy about four and a half years old;  while thus left, they must have been playing near the fire, as the boy's clothes caught the flames, and no help being near, the poor little fellow's clothes were completely burnt off his body, he being literally roasted; after the occurrence the little sufferer must have lain in this frightful state for some considerable time before the accident was observed, the little girl having been either too frightened or not possessing sense enough to go home to let her parents know what had happened. Just about dusk, an elder brother of the family went up to see why they were so long in coming home, when, finding out the cause as here detailed, he immediately ran home, and told his eldest brother that Tom was burnt, and could not walk, but he did not think he was dead. After bringing him home, they immediately sent for Dr Evans, who promptly attended, but the poor little sufferer breathed his last a few minutes after the doctor arrived. The burns were very severe, and caused the limbs to contract. The Doctor gave it as his opinion that the fire had penetrated into every part of the body, particularly the chest and lungs. The jury returned a verdict "Accidental death from the child's clothes taking fire on Sunday, 28th June."

CORONER'S INQUEST  -  No. 577 30th June 1863

Deposition of Witness
The examination of  Moses Storer (youth) of Branxholme taken on oath this thirtieth day of June AD 1863 at Branxholme. Before the undersigned, a Coroner in the said court, this deponent Moses Storer on his oath said as follows; That on Sunday last the 28th instant I took up dinner to the deceased who is my brother he was playing along with my sister Elizabeth Storer in a paddock close to this house, my mother was from home. I lighted a fire to let them warm themselves by, it being very cold. I then left them playing together quite friendly. I sent my little brother up to fetch them down here in the afternoon he came back and told me that he was lieing near the fire with all his clothes burnt off him, but he was not dead. I then ran up and found him lieing on him back near the fire my sister Elizabeth was sitting in front of him she was telling him to get up - he was completely naked a few bits of he clothes were scattered about, he said he wanted a drink of water. I asked him if it had hurt him much  he said yes. I asked him how it had happened and he said the corner of his pinafore caught fire. My sister is only about six years of age she was six last March. I lifted the deceased up and carried him down to my mothers house. I then went for Dr Evans to Branxholme who came and attended to my brother, he did not speak to me anymore he spoke to my little brother he died that evening. The children were minding a lot of fowls in the paddock. Moses  X  Storer  (his Mark)   Dr Robert  Evans attend at about 8 o'clock, Thomas died about 10 minutes after his arrival. Cause of death - exhaustion of the system from burns on his body. Another Witness was a local farmer Charles Schrott, who stated that he had seen the children earlier in the day in the paddock and was their when Moses returned with Thomas and sent him for the doctor and for his Mother who was in Branxholme. He stated that the little boy was badly burned and very black.

The body of Mr John Thwaites of Carapooee West was recovered in three feet of water in a dam on him property at 7am on Sunday by Mr Percy Torney, a neighbour. Thwaites who was aged 45 years, rose at 5 am and in reply to his wifes enquirey as to why he was getting up so early, said he had some work to do. Later his dog returned home, and Mrs Thwaites discovered that a pea rifle  was missing from its accustomed place. She then went to Mr Torneys house for assistance.  It would appear that the unfortunate man went into the dam and while their received a bullet wound to the head. He was a son of Mr and Mrs John Thwaites of Carapooee west. He leaves a widow and a young family of four - Joyce, Alys, Harold and Melva.

Douglas Neil Torney - died on the 17th June 1973 at the Swan Hill District Hospital.
Verdict:  Douglas Neil Torney died from the effects of injuries received when the car he was driving overturned on the Murray Valley Highway near Beverford on 16 June 1973.
Body was identified by his father Mr RT Torney, Truck Driver, 10 Murrell Ave, Swan Hill.
Inquiry found that the driver had overtaken a number of cars, failed then to take a bend in the road. The driver was thrown out of the car and died as a result. Passenger in his car was unharmed.

INQUISITION BEFORE A CORONER AND JURY - December 1867

Verdict/Finding: The deceased child, Elizabeth Torney died at Evansfind on the evening of 3rd December, 1867, Aged 21 ,months, and the cause of death was the severe shock to her nervous system, the effects of severe burns accidentally received.

Examination of Hugh Torney. On Oath 5th December 1867.
I am a labourer and reside at Evansfind. I have seen the body of the female child the subject of this enquiry, and identify it as that of my daughter Elizabeth aged 21 months, born at Peters Diggings, Saint Arnaud. I last saw deceased alive on the third inst at midnight, she was apparently dying from the effects of severe burns, all over the under part of the body. I took deceased to the Amhurst Hospital, when Dr Dixon attended to the child's injuries I then bought deceased home and 15 minutes after we arrived the deceased died. I did everything in my power to alleviate the child's suffering.
Signed: Hugh Torney  5th December 1867

Examination of  Jane Torney. On Oath 5th December 1867.
I am the wife of Hugh Torney and reside at Evansfind. The deceased child the subject of this enquiry was my daughter. About 5 minutes before I heard screams issuing from my house, I had gone to the well for water, leaving deceased standing at the door, she was then enjoying good health. This was on the 3rd inst about 5 pm, on hearing the screams, I saw Mrs Quinlan running towards my house and deceased running from the house with her clothes on fire. Mr james England endeavoured to extinguish the flames. There was no fire that I could observe in the chimney when I left a few minutes before, nor were there any lamps or candles burning in the house, I had a short time previously put wood in the chimney   to be in readiness for the fire to prepare the supper , and I think there must have been some red embers in the chimney which ignited the wood. My little boy aged 3 years 4 months told me deceased was stirring the fire with a piece of dead wood and that the draught from the door ignited the fire which caught her clothes. I accompanied my husband to the Amhurst hospital and took care of deceased until her death.
Signed: Jane Torney,  5th December 1867.

There was also a statement by Mr James England confirming the account given by Mrs Jane Torney. Mr England had rolled the child on the ground and wrapped her in a blanket when the accident occured.

Dr Dixon gave a statement confirming that the child had been bought to him for treatment, he treated her to the best of his ability but did not expect that the child would survive.

Findings: Ian John Torney died at Flinders on the 14th day of November 1945, from a depressed fracture of the left frontal bone (forehead) and other injuries received when he was accidentally thrown from a pony which he was then and there riding.

DROWNING FATALITY

Another drowning accident occurred on Wednesday, the locality this time being Sandy Creek. The victim was Jane Torney, aged 19 years and 9 months, daughter of Mr Thomas Torney. Deceased who was engaged as a domestic by Mrs Benson, was bathing in a dam near the house when she met her sad fate. A magisterial enquiry was held at Sandy Creek on Thursday before His Worship the Mayor, Cr. R Sloane, J.P., who found the death was accidental.

The particulars of the fatality are furnished in the evidence given by Mrs Helen Benson, who stated on the 15th inst., at about 6.30 pm., she in company with deceased and two children went for a bathe in a dam situated about eight chains from the house. Deceased was in the water, and Mrs Benson sat on the bank and watched her. Miss Torney asked where the shallow part of the dam was, and on it being pointed out she paddled about for a while. She said she could swim, but had not had a swim for five years. She swam a few strokes on her side and then put her head under the water. She repeated this two or three times and then put her hands up to her head, and a little while afterwards went under. Mrs Benson saw the top of the girls head and called out to her, but she did not answer. Mrs Benson went into the water to try and save her, but could not rescue her as the water was too deep, and she could not swim. Mrs Benson ran to the top of the bank and called for help. Her husband came over immediately and went into the water about a minute afterwards. Mr James Benson drove up in a buggy. He also jumped into the water, and the body was pulled out. From the time Mrs Benson called to the time Mr Jas Benson came up not more than six or seven minutes had elapsed. When the body was laid on the bank, Mrs Benson, her husband and Mr J Benson made every effort to restore animation with success. Word was then sent to St Arnaud Police, Deceased had been in Mrs Benson's employ for 12 months, and was on good terms with the family, and in good spirits.

Inquest - 16th January 1908  - Sany Creek

Inquistion Finding: I here by find that the deceased Jane Torney now lying before me met her death by accidental drowning at Sandy Creek on January 15th, 1908.

Police report:
I have to report that a man named Joseph Torney of 22 Clark Street, Prahran died about 4.15 am on 22/1/1936 at the Ballarat Base Hospital.

Deceased was driving a motor truck along a road near the Post Office Balwarrah about 6pm 21/3/1936 and when rounding a bend in the road the truck skidded and turned over and pinning deceased underneath. Deceased was brought to the Hospital by Ambulance at about 8.15 pm and Dr Pearce amputated his leg and he died at about 4.15am. There was no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

Statement by Horace Edgar Sneath
I have viewed a body at the Ballarat Base Hospital Mortuary which I do identify as being that of the late Joseph Torney. Deceased was my father-in-law, aged 51 years, dairyman and resided at 22 Clark Street, Prahran with his wife and two daughters. I live at the same address. On January 21, 1938 at about 11.30 am in company with deceased I left for Rocklyn. We had a load of furniture on a motor truck for delivery at Rocklyn. Deceased was driving when we started ou7t from Clark St and continued to do so all the way.

He had had the handling of motor vehicles for years and was both careful and experienced. I am not certain whether deceased had been over the road taken previously, I certainly was not and I feel sure that deceased has not.

When near the Balwarrah Post Office he made a turn and the truck ran into a gravel patch and skidded as a result of which the truck capsized and the drivers left leg was pinned by the truck.

Residents nearby probably witnessed the occurrence for help was soon forthcoming and after some effort the driver who was conscious throughout was released and speedily conveyed by ambulance to the Base Hospital where he was admitted. I saw the deceased while in hospital. I am perfectly satisfied with the treatment afforded the deceased by the hospital staff. Deceased was a non-smoker and distinctly temperate and certainly neither he nor I had any alcohol on the day of the accident.

Findings:
Joseph Torney died from the effects of Hemorrhage and shock due to injuries to his left leg, received on the 21st day of January 1936 at Balwarrah through then and there accidentally being pinned to the roadway when a motor truck in which he was traveling capsized.

INQUEST - AVOCA - 23rd September, 1938

Inquest on Samuel Torney who died at Avoca on the 16th day of September 1938, from drowning.  Victoria Police - 47 Avoca Station, Midland Police district.

Report of P Ryan 1st MC 6145 on Mr Samuel Torney aged 68 years, found drowned to Mr S J Bevan - Deputy Coroner.
1.     I have to report that at 8 o'clock on the night of the 15th September 1938, Mrs Carey reported that Mr Samuel Torney was missing.
2.      On Wednesday morning at 9am accompanied by his two dogs, left home and intended to do some digging for gold at a place called Hard Hill three miles away, he also said that he may not be home on that night, as he may go and have a look at his son's bees situated about five miles away.
3.    Mr Torney's two dogs came home on Thursday afternoon without him, Mrs Carey went to Hard Hill to see if he was all right, but could not    find him. Mrs Carey returned home and reported him missing to me.
4.    I made a search for Mr Torney on Friday morning (16/9/1938) and found his body face downward in a hole of water three feet deep, a billy can lid was on the edge of the hole, I removed the body from the water, I bailed the water out of the hole, and found the billy can.
5.    Evidently the deceased went to get a billy can of water and fell on his face and drowned.
6.    There was no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Signed: P Ryan 1st MC 6145

Statement from Mrs Rosaline Carey.
This Deponent (Rosaline Carey) on her oath said , I am a house keeping for Mr Samuel Torney residing at Avoca.   I identify his body now shown to me on 16th September 1938. Mr Torney left his home at 9 am on Wednesday morning 14th September, 1938, and stated then he was going to do some gold digging at his claim at Hard Hill three miles from his home.  He also stated that he would have a look at his son's bees at Bung Bong and would remain overnight. On Thursday 15th Mr Torney two dogs came home at about six o'clock without him, I went to Hard Hill to where he had been digging for gold but could not find him. I then reported him missing to the police.
Signed 17th September 1938 at Avoca by Rosaline Carey.

Verdict: Death by accidental Drowning.

FATAL ACCIDENT

An accident, which caused the death of Mr William Torney, President of the Carapooee Farmer's Club, and well known as an old resident of the district and advocate of farmers' interests, took place on Thursday evening. It appears that the deceased, who had visited several hotels in the town in company of a young man named Charles George Noble, at 8 o'clock on the evening named set out for his home at Carapooee in company with Noble, both being on horseback. After passing the railway gates on the Stuart Mill  road, deceased started to gallop his horse, and thus got some distance ahead of his companion. On Noble proceeding along the road, and when near the fruit gardens known as Reuben Abery's, he came across Torney lying on the road, and bleeding from a scratch across his nose. He got off his horse and asked deceased if he was hurt, and received an inarticulate reply. Noble then caught deceased horse, and returning tried to get the latter up to go home, but found he was unable to rise. He (Noble) then went to Mr Battersby, a resident close by, for assistance, and procuring water, asked deceased if he would take a drink, when he replied "No." They then sponged some into his mouth, which appeared to revive him. Noble then came into the town and having reported the matter to Constable Smith, proceeded out in a cab with that officer, and Torney was removed to the hospital, where he died between 4 and 5 o'clock yesterday morning. Deceased leaves a widow and family of twelve - six boys and six girls - chiefly grown up, to mourn their loss. An inquiry was held at the hospital yesterday afternoon before Mr P McBride, JP, touching the death of the deceased. Constable Smith in his evidence stated that before leaving Torney in the cab on the way to hospital he asked him where he was hurt, when he replied "I'm all right," and putting his hand to his head said "Leave me alone boys." Charles George Noble, in addition to facts above stated, said that after seeing Torney to the hospital he went to deceased's farm at Carapooee for a horse, but did not mention the accident to Torney's relatives because he personally thought it was not serious, and did not wish to cause alarm. He returned to St Arnaud at 9 o'clock next morning when he heard Torney was dead. Maurice Griffin, wardsman at the hospital, in his evidence said that on the evening of the 4th January, at 10.15, deceased was, soon after admission, examined by Dr Fleming, who did not think anything serious was wrong with him, but left orders for the night nurse to watch him during the night. Deceased died between 4 and 5 o'clock on the morning of the 5th January. Margaret Armstone, night nurse at the hospital, deposed that the deceased never spoke during the time he was under her care, and was very quiet. At 4 o'clock on Friday morning he was asleep, but slightly restless; while at 5.30 when she visited deceased she found him dead. Frank Battersby, gardener, also gave evidence as to rendering deceased assistance when called on to do so by Noble. Dr Angwin, who made an external examination of deceased, said that there was a small cut just above the bridge of the nose. The surrounding parts were considerably bruised, and there was considerable effusion of blood around the left eye. There was another cut three quarters of an inch long at the back of the right ear and some bruising. He could not detect any other injuries. From examination and evidence he gave his opinion that the cause of death was compression of the brain, due to rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, the injuries being such as might have been received by a fall from a horse. The coroner then returned a verdict that William Torney died from compression of the brain, due to a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, caused by his falling from a horse accidentally.

SMASH VICTIM DIES

A man who died in Mildura Base Hospital yesterday was one of seven injured in a head-on road smash near Dareton 13 days ago. He was Verdun Turlan (39) of Sandalong Avenue, Irymple.  Turlan was a passenger in one of the two vehicles which collided head-on on the Wentworth Road near Dareton on Sunday March 13.  He was admitted to hospital with head injuries. He died at 9.50 am yesterday. Turlan's wife was injured in the same accident, and his mother Ada Maude Turlan (65), of Morpung Ave, Billabong, was hurt in another accident three days later.  Mrs Turlan Snr. was going to hospital to see her son when the car in which she was traveling came into contact with another vehicle at the intersection of 11th Street and Cowra Avenue. Turlan was the father of two children.

DEATH NOTICE
TURLAN - On March 25, at Mildura (result of an accident), Verdun Albert "Skeat". Beloved husband of Aileen Lorna Turlan, beloved father of Carol and Diane. Aged 39 years.

WEEKEND CASUALTIES

Mr Harold Brown reported to the Adelaide Watch House on Saturday evening that he had discovered Albert Reginald Urlwin, of Davenport Terrace, Wayville, lying in an unconscious condition on the roadway of Barclay Crescent, Wayville and a motor cycle and side car, slightly damaged, were standing in the water table. The injured man was conveyed to the Adelaide Hospital in Mr Brown's car. Some hours later Mr Urlwin died. He left his home at 6.50pm with the intention of going to the city.

DEATH NOTICE
URLWIN On the 17th May at Wayville, Albert Reginald, the loved husband of Margaret Olive Urlwin, aged 27 years. Result of accident.

COLAC SAWMILLER'S TRAGIC DEATH - KILLED BY FALLING TIMBER

A well known Colac man, Mr Stanley Westwood of Church Street, Colac, lost his life as a result of an accident while timber getting at Gerangamete on Monday. It appears that Westwood, accompanied by his brother, Charles and Basil Bamford, went from the mill to a spot where they had been felling trees about three months ago. On that occasion the top of one of the felled trees had caught on the top of another. Nothing was done about it at the time. On Monday, according to a statement by Bamford to the police, deceased on Monday proceeded to pull away the part of the tree that was caught  in the other. He was using a steel and draw bar of the tractor. The rope which he had tied to the butt of tractor was ten feet away from the butt when the pulling commenced. A green limb snapped off the standing tree and struck Westwood on the head, and rendering him unconscious. The accident occurred about 10.30 am and the victim was taken to the Colac Hospital suffering from severe head injuries. He died early in the afternoon. Sincere regret will be felt throughout the town and district at the tragic death of Mr Westwood, who was held in high esteem as a business man. He has been engaged in sawmilling and timber getting business for many years. He was an active member of the Colac Tennis Club and helped the club in its rebuilding operations, in a voluntary capacity in many ways. He was 44 years of age at the time of his death. He leaves a widow and a family of five to mourn his loss, and the utmost sympathy will be extended to them in their bereavement.

TWO DIE AS LORRY DRIVES OVER BRIDGE
Two men were killed and three others, including two boys, were injured when a motor truck failed to take a bend on the Normanville Road and crashed through a bridge fence into a creek 20 feet below on Saturday night.

KILLED
Arthur Jabez Whittlesea, 46, contractor, of Second Valley. Frederick George Norman, 73 of Delamere.

INJURED
Jim Chenoweth, 21, of Second Valley, concussion; Robert Whittlesea, 9, shock and concussion; Lewis Whittlesea, 11, shock. Chenoweth and Robert Whittlesea were admitted to the South Coast District Hospital Victor Harbor. Four occupants in the cabin of the truck were trapped. Robert Whittlesea was exhausted when extricated from the cabin and had to receive artificial respiration.

THROWN CLEAR
Lewis Whittlesea, who was riding in the rear of the truck, was thrown clear as the vehicle crashed over the bridge. He suffered shock when he fell several feet to the bank of the creek, but quickly ran up to the road to hailed a passing motor car driven by Mr JJG Bond of Cape Jervis, who drove back to Normanville for a doctor and police.

The bridge, which is known as Little Gorge Bridge, is about a mile past Normanville on the Cape Jervis - Rapid Bay Road. Three accidents have occurred there in the past few months. The occupants had attended a football match at Yankalilla, and were returning home when the accident occurred. Mounted Constable Clift, of Normanville, is preparing a report.